How literal am I to take the Bible? Literally two of each animal on the ark? Jonah really in a whale? Leviathans and behemoths?

Daniel 6:24. What a severe punishment for these men who plotted to do away with Daniel.  They were thrown into the lions’ den along with their wives and children.  Why the children, too?

What is the biblical purpose for dating? How do you make important decisions (like beginning to date, breaking up, or getting engaged) in a way that glorifies God?

It seems like the belief of demons and spiritual warfare is much more prevalent in other countries.  Why is that? What does the Bible say about spiritual warfare?